Is AC repair in Dubai rental my or landlord's responsibility?« Back to Previous Page

Based on UAE law, specifically Article 16 of Law No. 26 of 2007 Regulating the Relationship between Landlords and Tenants in the Emirate of Dubai, the landlord is unequivocally responsible for all major maintenance and repairs concerning the property's core systems, including the central air conditioning infrastructure.

This means the landlord is liable for fixing the AC unit itself, the compressor, and the chiller if it's a central system. The rattling noise you describe is a classic symptom of a failing compressor or loose internal components, which is a significant repair. Your responsibility as a tenant is generally limited to minor maintenance, such as replacing the air filters regularly and ensuring the unit is not misused.

However, if the damage is proven to be a direct result of tenant misuse or negligence (e.g., not changing filters led to a coil freeze and compressor burnout), the cost could potentially be passed to you. Given the symptoms—poor cooling during peak heat—this is likely a refrigerant leak or mechanical failure, squarely falling under the landlord's obligation.

For a definitive assessment and to protect your position, I strongly recommend a professional inspection. We can provide a certified report detailing the cause of the failure, which you can present to your landlord to substantiate your claim. For immediate assistance, you can call our team at 800-MOLDS or email hello@saniservice.com.